The Veerni Project

The mission of the Veerni project is to educate rural girls from the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India, one of the most deprived regions of the world.

The Veerni Institute, the operating entity, provides these girls with access to two private schools with high education standards, board and lodging, guidance in their studies, healthcare, sports, arts and crafts, computer training and extra tuition when needed. The girls live together with a dedicated and professional staff and form a large loving family.

Veerni is dedicated to educate all girls irrespective of caste: a wide spectrum of castes and social groups is represented, as the girls come from many villages around Jodhpur. 63% of girls come from the lower castes. The highly represented lower cast is called “Dalit", previously known as “Untouchables".

On average, 40% of the Veerni girls are child brides– betrothed by the age of 11 - but being kept away from marriage and motherhood until at least 18 years old.

95% of them pursue their studies and move on into higher education.

Veerni is committed to help, guide and motivate these girls for a bright future and social responsibilities.

Veerni want to offer them the opportunity to have their voices heard in the rooms where decisions are made. Only then will they be able to take their rightful place in the life of their communities and in their country, which will benefit all of society.